Forest Wildlife

The American kestrel is the smallest member of the falcon family found in North America. Most Maryland farmyards provide suitable habitat for kestrels. In addition to describing many aspects of the kestrel, including distribution, habitat preferences, and food habits, this fact sheet illustrates how to try to attract kestrels to your property.

This fact sheet will describe many aspects of the Barn Owl including identification, distribution, habitat preferences, food habits, and how to try to attract Barn Owls to your property.

This fact sheet provides guidelines and recommendations to maximize the chances of successfully attracting purple martins and ensuring their return year after year.

This fact sheet discusses how to identify, the distribution and habitats of, and the benefits of having great horned owls on your property.

Songbirds are an important part of our wildlife heritage. They consume great quantities of pest insects and weed seeds each year. This fact sheet describes the characteristics, history, habitat, and management of songbirds.

Dabbling ducks, which inhabit small wetlands and marshes, are most responsive to management efforts by private landowners. This fact sheet details the breeding, habitat, and management of dabbling ducks.

The wood duck has often been called the most beautiful of water fowl because of its resplendent plumage. This fact sheet details the appearance, behavior, and habitat of the wood duck as well as explains some techniques to manage the species.

The Black Bear is the largest mammal in Maryland. This fact sheet explains the characteristics of and management techniques for the black bear in the northeastern U.S., particularly in Maryland.

Tree squirrels are arboreal rodents, meaning that the liven in and depend on trees and forests for their survival. This fact sheet describes the appearance, behavior, and habitat of these animals, as well as techniques for managing them.

Mourning Doves are widespread and abundant, and they thrive in a variety of habitats. This fact sheet examines the natural history of Mourning Doves and explains some management techniques that will benefit this species.